Cornhuskers won earlier this year, but winner this time earns trip to Rose Bowl

Wisconsin is back in a familiar spot, seeking its third straight Big Ten football championship Saturday.

But Nebraska, still a conference newcomer, may have the edge as it goes for its first.

The Legends Division champion Cornhuskers (10-2, 7-1) have won six straight entering the second Big Ten title game in Indianapolis. They also own a victory over Wisconsin, rallying from a 17-point deficit to win 30-27 Sept. 29 in Lincoln, Neb.

But that outcome shouldn't have much bearing on the rematch.

"Every game's different," Cornhuskers coach Bo Pelini said during a conference call Sunday. "I don't really put much stock into that first game. I'm sure Wisconsin won't either. It's a different time, different place, different point of the year."

The winner this time earns a berth in the Jan. 1 Rose Bowl.

Ohio State (8-0) and Penn State (6-2) had better conference records, but Wisconsin (7-5, 4-4) gained the Leaders Division berth because the Buckeyes and Nittany Lions had been declared ineligible for rules violations.

The Badgers backed into the championship after Saturday's 24-21 overtime loss to Penn State plus two other overtime defeats in their final four games. But this week offers fresh opportunities unencumbered by past results.

"There are 10 teams in the Big Ten who would love to be in the position Nebraska and us are in right now," Badgers coach Bret Bielema said. "Neither is going to care how the other team got there and what their record is."

Wisconsin brings a top scoring threat in senior running back Montee Ball, who became the NCAA's all-time touchdown leader Saturday with 79 and is a three-time Big Ten scoring leader.

"They're an extremely well-coached, physical group," Pelini said. "It obviously starts with the run, and they're sound in what they do. It's been a formula that's worked for a long period of time."

Nebraska wrapped up its regular season with a 13-7 victory Friday at Iowa. The Cornhuskers have a 1,000-yard rusher in Ameer Abdullah and an all-purpose quarterback in Taylor Martinez, who has collected 3,316 yards of total offense, including 2,483 in the air.

Both teams are contending with injuries.

Bielema hopes he'll have junior wide receiver Jared Abbrederis available despite an unspecified head injury suffered against Penn State. Linebacker Chris Borland may also return after two games out with a hamstring injury.

Pelini said the Cornhuskers would be without defensive tackle Baker Steinkuhler and center Justin Jackson after both were injured against Iowa.

Wisconsin beat Michigan State 42-39 in last year's inaugural Big Ten title game and has 14 conference titles to its credit.

Nebraska, which joined the Big Ten last year, has won 43 conference championships but none since 1999. The Cornhuskers also own five national titles.